FY13 Waubonsee CC SUCCESS New Look Project

The New Look Project, Administrative Office SUCCESS: Building Self-Confidence, Understanding, Courage, Charity, Esteem, Self-Acceptance and a Sense of Direction targets single parents, displaced homemakers and the economically disadvantaged.

Students in the Administrative Office Systems (AOS) program are disproportionately plagued by financial problems, child care difficulties, inadequate transportation, domestic violence issues and conflicting school and work schedules. The data collected was analyzed and will be used to improve program content, delivery, and support services, including the annual event for AOS students and changes to the program’s structure, curriculum and ancillary activities. To date, this project has improved understanding of the challenges faced by students in the Administrative Office Systems program.

Going forward, students will be provided an avenue for continuous feedback. Additionally, a directory of useful resources based on student input, experiences and needs has been created. The resources will be available at the annual AOS event and will include information about women’s organizations, career service organizations, and other community support organizations essential to meeting their needs inside and outside of the classroom. Changes implemented as a result of this research should improve retention, completion, and ultimately job placement for Administrative Office Systems students, particularly those belonging to the special populations subgroups of single parent, displaced homemaker, and the economically disadvantaged.

This project is designed to improve understanding of the challenges faced by students in the Administrative Office Systems program. Surveys and student focus groups will be used to gather information about students, their experiences, and their needs. The information will be analyzed and used to improve program content, delivery, and supports, including an annual event for AOS students. Changes implemented as a result of this research should improve retention, completion, and ultimately job placement for Administrative Office Systems students, particularly those belonging to the special populations subgroups of single parent, displaced homemaker, and economically disadvantaged.